Speedball Linoleum Cutter Assortment #1

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Consider using a dust sheet or cover to keep your work-in-progress protected when not actively printing. Our collection Artists Artworks Art by theme Explore Videos Podcasts Short articles In depth Art Terms Tate Research Student resources Make art Create like an artist Kids art activities Tate Draw game If you follow a few basic principles you should be able to prevent ever cutting yourself. The first and most important of these is to cut away from your hands.

For Lino Printing I would recommend using heavy weight papers, 250gsm+ which are designed for printmaking or watercolour painting to get the best results possible. Personally I have always used Fabriano 300gsm paper which is cotton based, the weight stops the paper from warping when there is a lot of ink applied. The heavyweight papers are best if you have a printing press, if using a baren or printing by hand go for lightweight papers which will give you better results. The most basic form of lino cutting tool is a plastic handle which can hold any of the various shapes of blade available. If you get serious about lino printing, you may find wooden handles more comfortable to use for extended periods, and consider having multiple handles so you don't have to stop to swap blades. Clean As You Go: Regularly brushing away the lino shavings helps keep your workspace clear and gives you a better view of your progress.

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Avoid Over-Carving: Be cautious not to carve too deeply, as this can go all the way through the lino and affect how it prints. Wash your hands before starting. Natural oils and residue from your skin can interfere with the ink’s adherence to the lino or paper. Maintain a Clean Workspace: Always clean up residual ink and debris post-printing. A clean work area ensures clearer prints. Linocut kits are a great gift for creative friends and family, but it can be risky to spend a lot of money when you’re not sure whether or not they’ll take to the hobby.

Mask the Cut Areas: If there’s unwanted ink in the carved sections, design a mask for those areas using thin paper, ideally around 80gsm or lighter.Some blades come in sets of different shapes and sizes with one handle to attach the blades to and switch out as needed. Others are sold individually with handles attached. Handles and blades can also be sold separately as replacement parts.

Placing your lino on a non-slip surface like rubber of felt means you don’t have to hold onto it with your non-cutting hand. This will save a lot of energy and arm-ache. You can buy cheap non-slip matting from pound shops. Ensure any open windows or vents don’t encourage the flow of dust or airborne particles onto your workspace. Remember to always use the blade away from yourself. Keep your other hand behind the blade, don't cut towards it. Turn the piece of lino around as you're working so your hand holding it down is always behind your hand with the blade in it.Lino Sheets: Lino sheets are formulated to be soft and easy for carving, allowing you to create your designs with basic cutting techniques. The two crucial things to remember are that you cut away what you don't want to print, and you need to be careful you don't cut your fingers. Clear Workspace: Ensure you have a clean and well-lit workspace. Good lighting will enable you to see faint lines more clearly, and a clutter-free area will reduce the chances of accidental smudges.